Station bar

ABSTRACT

A station bar, composed of at least one part molded from a resilient, high impact, heat resistant, dielectric plastic material, is capable of being connected to at least one multi-conductor electrical cable to function as a junction bar, receptacle, switch or base connector for a light fixture, service heads, circuit breakers, service entrance panels, meters etc., through the use of contact terminals, connector plugs and connector jacks contained in or on the parts of the station bar thereby eliminating the use of an outlet or junction box and associated wiring methods.

Reference to Related Application

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 262,688, filedOct. 26,1988, now Pat. No. 4,976,631.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to electrical components such as receptacles,switches, etc. which can be easily connected to multi-conductorelectrical cables and fastened directly to the framing members ofstructures without the use of outlet or junction boxes. Also thisinvention relates to the connection between multi-conductor electricalcables and electrical components of electrical wiring systems includingbut not limited to power distribution, control/data signal distributionand audio/video signal distribution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional methods of wiring a structure consist of attaching anoutlet or junction box to the framing member of a structure, runningcables through the openings on the box, folding the cables back into thebox, measuring the position of the box on the sheetrock, cutting anopening in the sheetrock, fastening the weakened sheetrock to theframing member, removing the insulation from the ends of the individualconductors of the cables, fastening each conductor to each terminal onthe wiring device, pushing the multitude of conductors and wiring deviceinto the box and attaching the wiring device to the box with bolts. Alsoelectrical components such as service heads, meters, circuit breakers,service entrance panels, etc. are wired by the conventional method ofrunning cables through the openings on the devices, removing theinsulation from the ends of the individual conductors of the cables,bending the individual cables around in the limited space and fasteningseach conductor to each terminal on the wiring device. This is a timeconsuming, expensive, error prone and awkward method of wiring astructure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The station bar, designed to be easily molded by using conventionalinjection molding techniques, incorporates all the elements of anelectrical connection and wiring device into a solid bar made of atleast one part and molded from a resilient, high impact, heat resistant,dielectric, plastic material with the contact terminals held by orembedded in the plastic material making up the station bar. The presentinvention may be utilized as a receptacle, switch, base connection barfor a light fixture or connection bar for a multiplicity of electricalcables by changing the internal wiring and configuration of the stationbar. The station bar is attached directly to the framing member of astructure. The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate theoutlet or junction box in most wiring systems by replacing it with thestation bar, and to present a simple and efficient method of locatingthe multi-conductor electrical cables and unit or units of the stationbar attached to the cables when they are covered by a finishing materialand out of sight, thereby eliminating almost half of the procedure stepsin the process of wiring a structure.

Also it is ann object of the present invention to make the wiring of astructure less time consuming, expensive, error prone and awkward.

Still another intention is too eliminate the measuring of the locationof the outlet box, measuring the position on the finishing material andcutting an opening in the finishing material before it is applied to theframing members of a structure.

Another aim of the present invention is to eliminate the multitude oftangled conductors and exposed electrical terminals in the outlet orjunction box which are a source of device breakage, electrical shorts,disconnections and wire breakage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more readily understood when viewed with thefollowing drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the station bar, in the formof a receptacle, illustrating one method of connecting the receptacle tomulti-conductor electrical cables;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the station bar in the form ofa receptacle, illustrating another method of connecting the receptacleto multi-conductor electrical cables;

FIG. 3 is an exploded top view of the station bar in the form of areceptacle, illustrating a two plug third unit;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the first unit of thestation bar;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the first unit taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the first unit taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the first unit taken along line 8--8 ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the first unit taken along line 9--9 ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the first unit and second unit in the form ofan interconnecting device for a plurality of multi-conductor electricalcables;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the open first unit of FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is asectional view of the first unit taken along line 12--12 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the second unit of FIG. 10 taken alongline 13--13 of FlG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the first unit of FIG. 10 taken alongline 14--14 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the interior wiring of the first unitof FIG. 10 and the second unit of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the interior wiring of the third unitin the form of a receptacle outlet;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the third unit in the form of a twogang receptacle outlet;

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the third unit in the form of abase connecting bar for a lighting fixture;

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the third unit in the form of aswitch;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the insulation removing tool;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the replaceable blade heads of the toolof FIG. 20 which remove the insulation from the cut end of amulti-conductor electrical cable; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the replaceable blade heads of the toolof FIG. 20 which remove the insulation from an uncut section of amulti-conductor electrical cable; and

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating some of the many uses of thepresent invention in wiring systems;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a circuit breaker panelillustrating some of the many uses of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the second unit of thestation bar inn the form of a circuit breaker;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the first unit of thestation bar in the form of a circuit breaker,

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the first unit of thestation bar;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the tool used to attach a part of thestation bar to the framing member of a structure and locate that part ofthe station bar after it is covered by a finishing material and cut anopening in the finishing material;

DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS

30 --first unit

31 --first connector plug

32 --first contact terminal

37 --first connector jack

38 --first small channel

39 --first large channel

40 --second unit

43 --second connector plug

44 --second connector jack

45 --second contact terminal

50 --third unit

51 --third connector plug

52 --third contact terminal

57 --third connector jack

62 --body

64 --lid

66 --hinge

68--hook member

69--fourth connector plug

70--latch member

72--ridge

80--wallplate

82--sheetrock

86--screw

88--opening for receiving a screw

94--framing member

100--position marking spike

102--opening for receiving a spike

103--insulated conductor

104--un-insulated conductor

106--multi-conductor electrical cable

114--insulation

116--sheath

126--opening in the sheetrock

128--receptacle

130--rocker switch

132--base connecting bar for a lighting fixture

134--service entrance conductors

136--service line drop

142--meter

148--service entrance panel

152--neutral bus bar

154--hot bus bar

157--circuit breaker

164--mounting clip

168--slot

170--latch

171--door

174--marking and cutting box

176--ridge

180--vertical member

182--horizontal member

186--spike

200--station bar

300--insulation removing tool

302--jaw

304--upper handle

306--lower handle

308--blade

310--opening

312--slot

314--upper blade head

316--lower blade head

318--bolt

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit theinvention to the embodiments illustrated.

1. Overall

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 10 illustrate the principal components of thestation bar 200 which may include the following:

A hinged first unit 30 which may contain at least one body 62, at leastone lid 64, at least one latch member 70, at least one hook member 68,at least one first connector jack 37, at least one first connector plug31, at least one opening 102 for receiving a position marking spike 100,at least one first large channel 39 for receiving a measured portion ofan insulated multi-conductor electrical cable 106, at least one firstsmall channel 38 for receiving a measured portion of an un-insulatedconductor 104 from an insulated multi-conductor electrical cable 106, atleast one electrically conductive first contact terminal 32, at leastone switch 130, at least one receptacle 128, at least one opening 88 forreceiving a screw 86, or other appropriate fastening means, to attach alighting fixture to the first unit and at least one opening 88 forreceiving a screw 86, or other appropriate fastening means, to attachthe first unit 30 to the framing member 94 of a structure.

A second unit 40 which may contain at least one second connector plug43, at least one second connector jack 44, at least one hook member 68,at least one electrically conductive second contact terminal 45, atleast one opening 102 for receiving a position marking spike, and atleast one opening 88 for receiving a screw 86, or other appropriatefastening means, to attach the second unit 40 to the framing member 94of a structure.

A third unit 50 which may contain at least one third connector jack 57,at least one third connector plug 51, at least one electricallyconductive third contact terminal 52, at least one wallplate 80, atleast one opening 88 for receiving a screw 86, or other appropriatefastening means, to attach the third unit 50 and wallplate 80 to theframing member 94 of a structure, at least one hook member 68, at leastone switch 130, at least one receptacle 128 and at least one opening 88for fastening a light fixture 132 to the third unit 50.

2. First Embodiment

The detailed construction of the first embodiment of the station bar 200is shown in FIGS. 10 and 15. The hinged body 62 and lid 64 of the firstunit 30 contain at least a primary group and a secondary group of firstsmall channels 38 to receive the individual un-insulated conductors 104of the insulated multi-conductor electrical cables 106, an electricallyconductive first contact terminal 32 lining each first small channel 38,a first large channel 39 at each end of the primary, secondary,tertiary, and so on groups of first small channels 38 to receive aportion of the insulated multi-conductor electrical cables 106 and atleast one opening 88 for receiving at least one screw 86, or otherappropriate fastening means, for attaching the first unit 30 to theframing member 94 of a structure. Each first contact terminal 32 liningeach first small channel 38 of the primary group of first small channels38 extends to an associated one of the first contact terminals 32 liningan associated first small channel 38 of the secondary, tertiary, and soon, groups of first small channels 38 contained on the hinged body 62 ofthe first unit 30. Each first contact terminal 32 is separated from eachother first contact terminal 32 by the dielectric material making up thehinged body 62 of the first unit 30. A measured portion of insulation114 is removed from a plurality of multi-conductor electrical cables 106using an insulation removing tool (see FIGS. 20 and 22). The replaceableupper blade head 314 and lower blade head 316 are constructed so thatthe blades 308 make multiple cuts through the insulation both paralleland perpendicular to the conductors 103 contained in the multi-conductorelectrical cable 106 without nicking or severing the conductors 104.Each individual measured portion of un-insulated conductor 104 of eachmulti-conductor electrical cable 106 is inserted into an associatedfirst small channel 38 of the body 62 of the first unit 30 and ameasured portion of each insulated multiconductor electrical cable 106is inserted into an associated first large channel 39 of the hinged body62 of the first unit 30. The hinged lid 64 of the first unit 30,containing the identical size and number of first small channels 38 andfirst large channels 39 of the body 62 of the first unit 30, is matedwith the body 62 of the first unit 30, thereby holding and pressing theindividual un-insulated conductors 104 against an associated one of thefirst contact terminals 32 lining each individual first small channel 38of the body 62 of the first unit 30 and each un-insulated conductor 104of the primary group of un-insulated conductors 104 of the primarymulti-conductor electrical cable 106 is electrically connected to theassociated one of an un-insulated conductor 104 of the secondary,tertiary, and so on, groups of un-insulated conductors 104 contained ineach secondary, tertiary, and so on, multi-conductor electrical cable106. The mated body 62 and lid 64 of the first unit 30 are attached tothe framing member 94 of a structure with at least one screw 86, orother appropriate fastening means, inserted through at least one opening88 contained on the first unit 30.

3. Second Embodiment

The detailed construction of the second embodiment of the station bar200 is shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15. The hinged body 62 and lid64 of the dielectric first unit 30 contain at least one hook member 68,at least one latch member 70, at least one electrically conductive firstcontact terminal 32, at least one first large channel 39 and at leastone small channel 38. Each first contact terminal 32 lining anassociated first small channel 38 of the body 62 of the first unit 30extends from the associated one of each first small channel 38 to anassociated portion of one external surface of the body 62 of the firstunit 30. Each first contact terminal 32 is separated from each otherfirst contact terminal 32 by the dielectric material making up the body62 of the first unit 30. The rigid dielectric second unit 40 contains atleast one hook member 68, at least two second connector jacks 44, atleast one electrically conductive second contact terminal 45 and atleast one opening 88 to receive a screw 86, or other appropriatefastening means. Each second contact terminal 45, lining a portion ofone external surface of the primary second connector jack 44, extendsfrom that portion of one surface of the primary second connector jack 44to an associated portion of one external surface of the secondary,tertiary, and so on, second connector jacks 44. Each second contactterminal 45 is separated from each other second contact terminal 45 bythe dielectric material making up the second unit 40. The second unit 40is attached to the framing member 94 of a structure with at least onescrew 86, or other appropriate fastening means, inserted into at leastone opening 88 contained on the second unit 40. The insulation 114 isremoved from the ends of a plurality of multi-conductor electricalcables 106 using an insulation removing tool 300 (see FIGS. 20 and 21)and the following procedure is performed on each multi-conductorelectrical cable 106 being attached to each first unit 30 being insertedinto each second connector jack 44 of the second unit 40. Eachindividual measured portion of un-insulated conductor 104 of themulti-conductor electrical cable 106 is inserted into an associatedfirst small channel 38 of the body 62 of the first unit 30 and ameasured portion of the insulated multi-conductor electrical cable 106is inserted into the first large channel 39 of the body 62 of the firstunit 30. The lid 64 of the first unit 30, containing the identical sizeand number of first small channels 38 and first large channels 39 of thebody 62 of the first unit 30, is mated with the body 62 of the firstunit 30 and the hook member 68 of the lid 64 engages the latch member 70of the body 62 thereby firmly holding and pressing each individualun-insulated conductors 104 against an associated one of the firstcontact terminals 32 lining each associated first small channel 38 ofthe body 62 of the first unit 30. A plurality of first units 30, eachcontaining the un-insulated conductors 104 of a multi-conductorelectrical cable 106, are inserted into a plurality of second connectorjacks 44 contained on the second unit 40 and each first unit 30 is heldfirmly in place by at least one hook member 68 contained on the secondunit 40. Each first contact terminal 32 of each first unit 30 is placedin firm electrical contact with an associated second contact terminal 45contained on a portion of one surface of each second connector jack 44of the second unit 40 thereby electrically connecting each un-insulatedconductor 104 of the primary multi-conductor electrical cable 106 withan associated one of the un-insulated conductors of the secondary,tertiary, and so on, multi-conductor electrical cables 106.

4. Third Embodiment

The detailed construction of the third embodiment of the station bar 200is shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. Thehinged body 62 and the lid 64 of the dielectric first unit 30 contain atleast a primary group and a secondary group of first small channels 38to receive the individual un-insulated conductors 104 of the insulatedmulti-conductor electrical cables 106, an electrically conductive firstcontact terminal 32 lining each first small channel 38, a first largechannel 39 at each end of the primary, secondary, tertiary, and so on,groups of first small channels 38 to receive a portion of the insulatedmulti-conductor electrical cable 106, at least one first connector jack37, or at least one first connector plug 31, at least one opening 102for receiving a position marking spike 100 and at least one opening 88for receiving at least one screw 86, or other appropriate fasteningmeans, for attaching the first unit 30 to the framing member 94 of astructure. Each first contact terminal 32 lining each first smallchannel 38 of the primary group of the first small channels 38 extendsto an associated one of the first contact terminals 32 lining anassociated first small channel 38 of the secondary, tertiary, and so on,groups of first small channels 38 contained on the hinged body 62 of thefirst unit 30. Each first contact terminal 32 is separated from eachother first contact terminal 32 by the dielectric material making up thebody 62 of the first unit 30. The rigid dielectric third unit 50contains at least one electrically conductive third contact terminal 52,at least one third connector plug 51 or at least one third connectorjack 57, at least one hook member 68, at least one opening 88 forreceiving a screw 86, or other appropriate fastening means and either areceptacle 128, a switch 130 or at least one third connector jack 57 toreceive a fourth connector plug 69 from a lighting fixture. A measuredsection of insulation 114 making up the sheath 116 and covering theindividual conductors 103 of a multi-conductor electrical cable 106 isremoved from a plurality of multi-conductor electrical cables 106 usingan insulation removing tool 300 (see FIGS. 2 and 22). Each un-insulatedconductor 104 of the primary group of un-insulated conductors 104 of theprimary multi-conductor electrical cable 106 is inserted into anassociated first small channel 38 of the primary group of first smallchannels 38 of the body 62 of the first unit 30 and each un-insulatedconductor 104 of the secondary, tertiary, and so on, groups ofun-insulated conductors 104 of the secondary, tertiary, and so on,multi-conductor electrical cables 106 is inserted into an associatedfirst small channel 38 of the secondary, tertiary, and so on, groups offirst small channels 38 of the body 62 of the first unit 30. The lid 64of the first unit 30, containing the identical number of first smallchannels 38 and first large channels 39 of the body 62 of the first unit30, is mated with the body 62 of the first unit 30. The mated body 62and lid 64 of the first unit 30 are attached to the framing member 94 ofa structure with at least one screw 86, or other appropriate fasteningmeans, inserted through at least one opening 88 contained on the body 62and the lid 64 of the first unit 30. At least one position marking spike100 is inserted into at least one opening 102 on the first unit 30.Sheetrock 82, or other finishing material, is applied to the framingmembers 94 of the structure and an opening 126 is cut in the sheetrock82, or other finishing material, directly over the framing member 94 andthe first unit 30 at the location marked on the sheetrock 82 by thereusable and removable position marking spikes 100. The position markingspike 100 is removed from the opening 102 on the first unit 30.Simultaneously the third connector plug 51 of the third unit 50 isinserted into the first connector jack 37 of the first unit 30 and thethird unit 50 is inserted into the opening 126 cut in the sheetrock 82,or other finishing material, directly over the framing member 94 and thefirst unit 30. A wallplate 80 and third unit 50 are attached to theframing member 94 of the structure with at least one aligned screw 86,or other appropriate fastening means, inserted through at least onealigned opening 88 contained on the wallplate 80 and third unit 50. Inthe embodiment of the present invention utilizing the receptacle 128,the switch 130 or the base connecting bar for a lighting fixture 132,each third contact terminal 52 of the third unit 50 extends from aportion of one external surface of the third connector plug 51 to anassociated terminal of the receptacle 128 or switch 130 or to anassociated portion of one external surface of the third connector jack57 receiving the fourth connector plug 69 attached to the conductors 103from a lighting fixture 132, contained on the third unit 50. Each thirdcontact terminal 52 is separated from each other third contact terminal52 by the dielectric material making up the third unit 50. Thereforewhen the third connector plug 51 of the third unit 50 is inserted intothe first connector jack 37 of the first unit 30, or the first connectorplug 31 of the first unit 30 is inserted into the third connector jack57 of the third unit 50, the un-insulated conductors 104 of themulti-conductor electrical cable 106 are electrically connected to theappropriate terminals of the suitable electrical device because eachthird contact terminal 52 lining an associated portion of the externalsurface of the third connector plug 51 of the third unit 50 is pressedinto contact with an associated first contact terminal 32 lining anassociated portion of the external surface of the first connector jack37 of the first unit 30 and each first contact terminal 32 lining anassociated first small channel 38 of the primary group of first smallchannels 38 extends to an associated portion of the external surface ofthe first connector jack 37 of the first unit 30. I the embodiment ofthe present invention utilizing the receptacle 128 or the switch 130, awallplate 80 is mated to the receptacle 128 or the switch 130 and theunited wallplate 80 and the receptacle 128 or the switch 130 arefastened directly to the framing member 94 of a structure with at leastone screw 86, or other appropriate fastening means, inserted through thealigned openings 88 on the wallplate 80 and the third unit 50. In theembodiment of the present invention utilizing the base connecting barfor a lighting fixture 132, the third unit 50 is attached directly tothe framing member 94 of a structure with at least one screw 86, orother appropriate fastening means, inserted through at least one opening88 on the third unit 50 and the lighting fixture 130 is attached to thethird unit 50 with at least one screw 86, or other appropriate fasteningmeans, inserted into at least one opening 88 on the third unit 50. Thenthe fourth connector plug 69 attached to the conductors from thelighting fixture 132 is inserted into the third connector jack 57 of thethird unit 50. The conventional rocker switch 130 (see FlG. 18) isillustrated because the wallplate 80 is interchangeable with thereceptacle 128 and the rocker switch 130 but any receptacle or switch inany combination may be contained by the third unit 50. Also the thirdunit 50 may be enlarged to contain two or more electrical devices in anycombination.

5. Fourth Embodiment

The detailed construction of the fourth embodiment of the station bar200 is shown in FIGS. 2, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. Thehinged body 62 and lid 64 of the dielectric first unit 30 contain atleast one first small channel 38, at least one first large channel 39,at least one electrically conductive first contact terminal 32, at leastone hook member 68 and at least one latch member 70. Each first contactterminal 32 lining an associated first small channel 38 of the body 62of the first unit 30 extends from the associated one of each first smallchannel 38 to an associated portion of one external surface of the body62 of the first unit 30. Each first contact terminal 32 is separatedfrom each other first contact terminal 32 by the dielectric materialmaking up the body 62 of the first unit 30. The rigid dielectric secondunit 40 contains at least one hook member 68, at least two secondconnector jacks 44, at least one electrically conductive second contactterminal 45, at least one opening 102 for receiving a position markingspike 100, and at least one opening 88 to receive a screw 86, or otherappropriate fastening means, for attaching the second unit 40 to theframing member 94 of a structure. Each second contact terminal 45,lining a portion of one external surface of the primary second connectorjack 44, extends from that portion of one surface of the primary secondconnector jack 44 to an associated portion of one external surface ofthe secondary, tertiary, and so on, second connector jacks 44. Eachsecond contact terminal 45, of the primary second connector jack 44extends from a portion of the external surface of the primary secondconnector jack 44 to an associated portion of the external surface ofthe second connector plug 43. Each second contact terminal 45 isseparated from each other second contact terminal 45 by the dielectricmaterial making up the second unit 40. The rigid dielectric third unit50 contains, at least one hook member 68, at least one electricallyconductive third contact terminal 52, at least one third connector plug51, at least one opening 88 for receiving a screw 86, or otherappropriate fastening means, and either a receptacle 128, a switch 130or at least one third connector jack 57 to receive a fourth connectorplug 69 from a lighting fixture. The insulation 114 is removed from theends of a plurality of multi-conductor electrical cables 106 using aninsulation removing tool 300 (see FIGS. 20 and 21), and the followingprocedure is performed on each multi-conductor electrical cable 106being attached to each first unit 30 being inserted into each secondconnector jack 44 of the second unit 40. Each individual measuredportion of un-insulated conductor 104 of the multi-conductor electricalcable 106 is inserted into an associated first small channel 38 of thebody 62 of the first unit 30 and a measured portion of the insulatedmulti-conductor electrical cable 106 is inserted into the first largechannel 39 of the body 62 of the first unit 30. The lid 64 of the firstunit 30, containing the identical size and number of first smallchannels 38 and first large channels 39 as the body 62 of the first unit30, is mated with the body 62 of the first unit 30 and the hook member68 of the lid 64 engages the latch member 70 of the body 62 therebyfirmly holding and pressing each individual un-insulated conductor 104against an associated one of the first contact terminals 32 lining eachassociated first small channel 38 of the body 62 of the first unit 30.The second unit 40 is attached to the framing member 94 of a structurewith at least one screw 86, or other appropriate fastening means,inserted into at least one opening 88 contained on the second unit 40. Aplurality of first units 30, each containing the un-insulated conductors104 of a multi-conductor electrical cable 106, are inserted into aplurality of second connector jacks 44 contained on the second unit 40and each first unit 30 is held firmly in place by at least one hookmember 68 contained on the second unit 40. Each first contact terminal 3of each first unit 30 is placed in firm electrical contact with anassociated second contact terminal 45 contained on a portion of onesurface of each second connector jack 44 of the second unit 40 therebyelectrically connecting each un-insulated conductor 104 of the primarymulti-conductor electrical cable 106 with an associated one of theun-insulated conductors 104 of the secondary, tertiary, and so on,multi-conductor electrical cables 106. At least one position markingspike 100 is inserted into at least one opening 102 on the second unit40. Sheetrock 82, or other finishing material, is applied to the framingmembers 94 of the structure and an opening 126 is cut in the sheetrock82, or other finishing material, directly over the framing member 94 andthe second unit 40 at the location marked on the sheetrock 82, or otherfinishing material, by the reusable and removable position markingspikes 100. The position marking spike 100 is removed from the opening102 on the second unit 40. Simultaneously the third connector plug 51 ofthe third unit 50 is inserted into the second connector jack 44 of thesecond unit 40 and the third unit 50 is inserted into the opening 126cut in the sheetrock 82, or other finishing material, directly over theframing member 94 and the second unit 40. A wallplate 80 and third unit50 is attached to the framing member 94 of the structure with at leastone screw 86, or other appropriate fastening means, inserted through atleast one aligned opening 88 contained on the wallplate 80 and thirdunit 50. In the embodiment of the present invention utilizing thereceptacle 128, the switch 130 or the base connecting bar for a lightingfixture 132, each third contact terminal 52 of the third unit 50 extendsfrom a portion of one external surface of the third connector plug 51 toan associated terminal of the receptacle 128 or switch 130 or to anassociated portion of one external surface of the third connector jack57 receiving the fourth connector plug 69 attached to the conductors 103from a lighting fixture 132 contained on the third unit 50. Each thirdcontact terminal 52 is separated from each other third contact terminal52 by the dielectric material making up the third unit 50. Thereforewhen the third connector plug 51 of the third unit 50 is inserted intothe second connector jack 44 of the second unit 40, the un-insulatedconductors 104 of the multi-conductor electrical cable 106 areelectrically connected to the appropriate terminals of the suitableelectrical device because each third contact terminal 52 lining anassociated portion of the external surface of the third connector plug51 of the third unit 50 is pressed into contact with an associatedsecond contact terminal 45 lining an associated portion of the externalsurface of the second connector jack 44 of the second unit 40. In theembodiment of the present invention utilizing the receptacle 128 or theswitch 130, a wallplate 80 is mated to the receptacle 128 or the switch130 and the united wallplate 80 and the receptacle 128 or the switch 130are fastened directly to the framing member 94 of a structure with atleast one screw 86, or other appropriate fastening means, insertedthrough the aligned openings 88 on the wallplate 80 and the third unit50. In the embodiment of the present invention utilizing the baseconnecting bar for a lighting fixture 132, the third unit 50 is attacheddirectly to the framing member 94 of a structure with at least one screw86, or other appropriate fastening means, inserted through at least oneopening 88 on the third unit 50 and the lighting fixture 130 is attachedto the third unit 50 with at least one screw 86, or other appropriatefastening means, inserted into at least one opening 88 on the third unit50. Then the fourth connector plug 69 attached to the conductors fromthe lighting fixture 132 is inserted into the third connector jack 57 ofthe third unit 50. The conventional rocker switch 130 (see FIG. 18) isillustrated because the wallplate 80 is interchangeable with thereceptacle 128 and the rocker switch 130 but any receptacle or switch inany configuration may be contained by the third unit 50. The third unit50 may be enlarged to contain two or more devices in any combination.

6. Fifth Embodiment

The detailed construction of the third embodiment of the station bar 200is shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16 17, 18, 19 and 29. Thehinged body 62 and the lid 64 of the dielectric first unit 30 contain atleast a primary group and a secondary group of first small channels 38to receive the individual un-insulated conductors 104 of the insulatedmulti-conductor electrical cables 106, an electrically conductive firstcontact terminal 32 lining each first small channel 38, a first largechannel 39 at each end of the primary, secondary, tertiary, and so on,groups of first small channels 38 to receive a portion of the insulatedmulti-conductor electrical cables 106, at least one first connector jack37 or at least one first connector plug 31, and at least one opening 88for receiving at least one screw 86, or other appropriate fasteningmeans, for attaching the first unit 30 to the framing member 94 of astructure. Each first contact terminal 32 lining each first smallchannel 38 of the primary group of first small channels 38 extends to anassociated one of the first contact terminals 32 lining an associatedfirst small channel 38 of the secondary, tertiary, and so on, groups offirst small channels 38 contained on the hinged body 62 of the firstunit 30. Each first contact terminal 32 is separated from each otherfirst contact terminal 32 by the dielectric material making up the body62 of the first unit 30. The rigid dielectric third unit 50 contains atleast one electrically conductive third contact terminal 52, at leastone third connector plug 51 or at least one third connector jack 57, atleast one hook member 68, at least one opening 88 for receiving a screw86, or other appropriate fastening means, and either a receptacle 128, aswitch 130 or at least one third connector jack 57 to receive a fourthconnector plug 69 from a lighting fixture. A measured section ofinsulation 114 making up the sheath 116 and covering the individualconductors 103 of a multi-conductor electrical cable 106 is removed froma plurality of multi-conductor electrical cables 106 using an insulationremoving tool 300 (see FIGS. 20 and 22). Each un-insulated conductor 104of the primary group of un-insulated conductors 104 of the primarymulti-conductor electrical cable 106 is inserted into an associatedfirst small channel 38 of the primary group of first small channels 38of the body 62 of the first unit 30 and each un-insulated conductor 104of the secondary, tertiary, and so on, groups of un-insulated conductors104 of the secondary tertiary, and so on, multi-conductor electricalcables 106 is inserted into an associated first small channel 38 of thesecondary, tertiary, and so on, groups of first small channels 38 of thebody 62 of the first unit 30. The lid 64 of the first unit 30,containing the identical number of first small channels 38 and firstlarge channels 39 as the body 62 of the first unit 30, is mated with thebody 62 of the first unit 30. The mated body 622 and lid 64 of the firstunit 30 are attached to framing member 94 of a structure with at leastone screw 86, or other appropriate fastening means, inserted through atleast one opening 88 contained on the body 62 and the lid 64 of thefirst unit 30 and a mark is placed on the floor of the room directlybisecting the framing member 94 holding the first unit 30. Sheetrock 82,or other finishing material, is applied to the framing member 94 of thestructure and an opening 126 is cut in the sheetrock 82, or otherfinishing material directly over the framing member 94 and the firstunit 30 using a special tool (see FIG. 28) the horizontal member ofwhich is placed on the mark on the floor. The special tool is also usedto mark the height of the attachment of the first unit 330 on theframing member 94 of the structure. Simultaneously the third connectorplug 51 of the third unit 50 is inserted into the first connector jack44 of the first unit 30 and the third unit 50 is inserted into theopening 126 cut in the sheetrock 82, or other finishing material,directly over the framing member 94 and the first unit 30. A wall plate80 and third unit 50 are attached to the framing member 94 of thestructure with at least one screw 86, or other appropriate fasteningmeans, inserted through at least one aligned opening 88 contained on thewallplate 80 and third unit 501. In the embodiment of the presentinvention utilizing the receptacle 128, the switch 130, or the baseconnecting bar for a lighting fixture 132, each third contact terminal52 of the third unit 50 extends from a portion of one external surfaceof the third connector plug 51 to an associated terminal of thereceptacle 128 or switch 130 or to an associated portion of one externalsurface of the third connector jack 57, receiving the fourth connectorplug 69 attached to the conductors 103 from a lighting fixture 132,contained on the third unit 50. Each third contact terminal 52 isseparated from each other third contact terminal 52 by the dielectricmaterial making up the third unit 50. Therefore when the third connectorplug 51 of the third unit 50 is inserted into the first connector jack37 of the first unit 30, or the first connector plug 31 of the firstunit 30 is inserted into the third connector jack 57 of the third unit50, the un-insulated conductors 104 of the multi-conductor electricalcable 106 are electrically connected to the appropriate terminals of thesuitable electrical device because each third contact terminal 52 liningan associated portion of the external surface of the third connectorplug 51 of the third unit 50 is pressed into contact with an associatedfirst contact terminal 32 lining an associated portion of the externalsurface of the first connected jack 37 of the first unit 30 and eachfirst contact terminal 32 lining an associated first small channel 38 ofthe primary group of first small channels 38 extends to an associatedportion of the external surface of the first connector jack 37 of thefirst unit 30. The conventional rocker switch 130 (see FIG. 18) isillustrated because the wallplate 80 is interchangeable with thereceptacle 128 and the rocker switch 130 but any receptacle or switch inany combination or member may be contained by the third unit 50.

I claim:
 1. A station bar, composed of a first unit and third unit, saidthird unit being capable of functioning as an electrical switch and isfastened to the front face of a framing member of a structure through anopening cut in finishing material attached to said framing member, saidstation bar adapted to electrically connect, by pressure contact of anun-insulated portion of each individual conductor to an associated firstcontact terminal, at least one un-severed multi-conductor electricalcable to said third unit, said station bar is attached to said framingmember with appropriate fastening means without the use of a junctionboxes said station bar comprising:a hinged dielectric first unit having;a body including; at least two electrically conductive first contactterminals being held and kept apart from each other by said dielectricmaterial; at least one first connector jack; at least a primary group ofconductor receiving channels, a subsequent group being secondary, eachindividual channel of said groups being lined with a portion of one ofsaid first contact terminals, with each one of said first contactterminals extending from an individual one of said primary group to anassociated one of said secondary group, thereby electrically connectingeach of said conductors of said primary group of channels to anassociated one of said conductors of said secondary group of channels,when said conductors of first and second cables are placed in saidchannels, each of said contact terminals of said primary group extend toan associated portion of one surface of said first connector jack; a lidincluding; an identical number of groups of said channels as said body;means for attaching said hinged first unit to said framing member ofsaid structure; a dielectric third unit having; at least one thirdconnector plug; at least two electrically conductive third contactterminals being held and kept apart from each other by said dielectricmaterial, each one of said third contact terminals extending from anassociated portion of one surface of said third connector plug to anassociated portion of a front surface of said third unit, each of saidthird contact terminals engaging electrically an associated one of saidfirst contact terminals when said third connector plug is inserted intosaid first connector of said first unit, means for attaching said thirdunit unit to said framing member of said structure; and at least oneelectrical switch on the front surface of said third unit, aid thirdcontact terminals of said third unit being extended to an associated oneof the terminals of said switch.
 2. A station bar, composed of at leasttwo dielectric first units, one dielectric second unit and onedielectric third unit, said third unit being capable of functioning asan electrical switch and is fastened to the front face of a framingmember of a structure through an opening cut in a finishing materialattached to said framing member, said station bar adapted toelectrically connect at least two multi-conductor cables to said thirdunit, said station bar is attached to said framing member with anappropriate fastening means without the use of a junction box, saidstation bar comprising:a hinged dielectric first unit having; a bodyincluding; at least two electrically conductive first contact terminalsheld and kept apart from each other by said dielectric material; atleast one group of conductor receiving channels, each of said channelsbeing lined with a portion of one of said first contact terminals, eachof said contact terminals extend to an associated portion of oneexterior surface of said body; a lid including; an identical number ofgroups of said channels as said body; a dielectric second unit having;at least two electrically conductive second contact terminals, beingheld and kept apart from each other by said dielectric material; atleast a primary, a secondary and a tertiary second connector jack with aportion of one of said second contact terminals lining an associatedportion of one surface of said second connector jacks, each of saidsecond contact terminals extending from said surface of said primarysecond connector jack to an associated surface of said secondary andtertiary second connector jacks, each of said second contact terminalsengaging electrically an associated one of said first contact terminalswhen said hinged first units are inserted into said secondary andtertiary second connector jacks, means for holding said first units insaid second connector jacks; means for attaching said second unit tosaid framing member of said structure; a dielectric third unit having;at least one third connector plug; at least two electrically conductivethird contact terminals being held and kept apart from each other bysaid dielectric material, each one of said third contact terminalsextending from an associated portion of one surface of said thirdconnector plug to an associated portion of the front surface of saidthird unit, each of said third contact terminals engaging electricallyan associated one of said second contact terminals when said thirdconnector plug is inserted into said primary second connector jack ofsaid second unit; means for attaching said third unit to said framingmember of said structure; and at least one electrical switch on thefront surface of said third unit, said third contact terminals of saidthird unit being extended to an associated one of the terminals of saidswitch.
 3. A method of connecting a station bar, including a hingedfirst unit having a lid and body, which includes a connector, and atleast one opening to receive an appropriate fastening means to attachthe first unit to a framing member of a structure, said first unit isattached too said framing member at a predetermined distance from afloor of said structure before a finishing material is attached to saidframing member, said station bar further including a third unit having aconnector, at least one opening to receive an appropriate fasteningmeans too attach said third unit to said framing member, said third unitof said station bar being attached to said framing member, after saidfinishing material is attached to said framing member, thorough anopening cut in said finishing material and a wallplate containing atleast one opening for receiving an appropriate fastening means to attachsaid wallplate to said framing member, and connecting said station barto at least one multi-conductor electrical cable and attaching saidstation bar to said framing member of a structure using a multi-stageprocedure comprising the steps of:removing a measured section ofinsulation from said cable; joining electrically said cable to saidbody, mating said body with said lid; attaching said mated body and lidto the side of said framing member at a pre-determined distance fromsaid floor with said appropriate fastening means; placing a mark on saidfloor directly bisecting said framing member holding said mated body andlid; applying said finishing material to the front side of said framingmember; cutting said opening in said finishing material at saidpredetermined distance from said floor directly over said mark on saidfloor; joining electrically said connector of said third unit to saidconnector of said first unit through said opening in said finishingmaterial, and; fastening said wallplate and third unit to the front sideof said framing member with said appropriate fastening means.